'Challenge'

Since then, several head teachers have complained that the timescale for implementation is unrealistic.

Last week, Mr Stuart, chairman of the Commons education committee, said schools struggling to comply - such as those lacking adequate kitchen capacity - should get more "discretion" over start dates.

But the government says £150m is going to schools to expand their kitchens and dining facilities where needed.

Mr Laws told Pienaar's Politics: "We believe that the timetable is absolutely fine. When we had pilots a few years ago in different parts of the country, those areas actually had less time than we have given to implement this across the country."

He added: "I do understand that for many head teachers who have to implement this, it's an implementation challenge. So it's not surprising that it's some of those individuals who are expressing concerns about the things they've got to do over the next few months."

He called free meals "a hugely positive thing", adding that the government had "found a huge amount of money at a time of austerity to do this because we think it's very valuable in a multiplicity of different ways".

Mr Laws also said: "Most teachers and most of the teacher unions are incredibly positive about this and I believe they can implement it on time."